She heaved a sigh and set her brush back on the vanity. Okay…maybe she did believe that love could be that intense, that consuming. But not with Simon. Never with Simon. The man was heartbreak waiting to happen. He didn’t do committed relationships and she was already on emotional overload with him.
The only way to survive her relationship with Simon was to keep it casual, not let her heart get involved.
Scooping up her jacket and purse, she sauntered toward the kitchen, hearing only two words running over and over in her head and her own self-deprecating laugh echo through her mind.
Too late. Too late.
Chapter 6
Samuel Hudson had a lavish mansion in South Tampa, an area so affluent that Kara had never been there before, even though she had grown up in the city. She had to force her open mouth to close as James pulled the car around the circular driveway, letting them out in the front of the palatial residence.
“This is…spectacular,” she whispered to Simon as he took her hand to help her out of the car.
“You see why I decided not to drive?” he said in a lazy voice, his eyes scanning the expensive vehicles lining the long driveway.
“You draw quite a crowd, Mr. Hudson,” she told him softly, her eyes roving over his handsome face. “Happy Birthday. I have a present for you, but I’ll give it to you later.”
His face lit up in a wicked, wicked grin as their eyes locked in a heated gaze. “I thought you gave it to me last night. And tonight.”
“Simon!” She refused to blush again. She wouldn’t. Absolutely not. She was a mature, adult woman and she didn’t blush over a simple sexual comment. She was an almost-nurse for God’s sake, used to seeing the human body in all states of dress. It wasn’t like she was a young girl, but it was an infuriating fact that Simon could make her feel like one sometimes.
“Well…just saying. But I won’t argue if you want to do it again. In fact, we could go home right now-,”
“In the house, birthday boy.” She laughed as he slipped his arm around her waist and led her to the door, a small, satisfied smirk still present on his lips.
“Tomorrow night we’re going out alone,” he muttered, his arm tightening around her body as he led her to the front door.
“Tomorrow?” she said, confused.
“For your birthday. I’m taking you out. Alone.”
She turned to face him after they had climbed the marble steps, stopping at the huge double doors. “You aren’t taking me out. You’ve done enough. It’s not necessary.”
“It’s very necessary,” he answered, his voice harsh. “I want to. It’s your birthday.”
The door swung open before she could answer.
“Hey, bro! Glad you finally decided to join your own party.”
Kara immediately recognized Sam Hudson. Simon had been right. He was movie-star handsome. Dressed similar to Simon, his sweater was an emerald green that nearly matched his eyes. He looked like an enormous, blond, mythological god…but in Kara’s opinion, he lacked Simon’s sex appeal. Although she could aesthetically appreciate Sam’s handsome face and gorgeous body…he had nothing on his younger brother.
Sam stood back and motioned for them to enter. Kara could feel Sam’s eyes studying her, his brain working furiously to figure her out, put her in a box. As she entered the marbled entryway, she wondered what Simon had told his brother about her.
“Kara, this is my brother Sam,” Simon introduced them casually, his hand reaching out to take the jacket she was discarding. An elderly man, obviously an employee, took the coat from Simon’s arm.
“Well, bro, no need to ask why I haven’t seen much of you lately,” Sam said softly, his tone mocking.
Kara extended her hand politely, “It’s nice to meet you, Sam. I’ve heard a lot about you from your mother.”
“A pleasure.” His hand engulfed her smaller one in a firm grip, holding it a little longer than necessary. “Mom’s talked about you a lot, too. All of it good, of course,” Sam answered, his smile brilliant and his manner persuasive.
He’s good. I see why Helen says he can charm anyone. It’s really too bad that his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
Kara reclaimed her hand by pulling it out of his grip and letting it drop to her side.
“Eat, get a drink, have a good time,” Sam suggested jovially, slapping Simon on the back. “Happy birthday, little brother.”
“Yeah, thanks for the party,” Simon grumbled, shooting his brother an I’ll-get-you-for-this look that only brothers could exchange as he nudged Kara toward a cluster of guests and the food in the living room.
“You love me. You know you do.” Sam smiled, his voice teasing and arrogant at the same time.
“Not today,” Simon snarled back.
Sam laughed wickedly as he moved away, advancing toward a group of people who were motioning for him to come over.
“Bastard,” Simon said in a low, irritated voice.
Kara rolled her eyes, keeping her amusement to herself. “He’s your brother, Simon.”
“Not today,” he repeated, his hand sliding across her back as he lead her to the lavish food and drink tables.
Sam’s home was stunning, surprisingly decorated in white, light, airy décor that made the already-spacious mansion appear even more enormous and grand. Well-dressed guests chatted in groups, their wealth and status obvious by their dress and their ease with the sumptuous surroundings.
Kara tried not to gawk like the penniless woman she really was, but it was difficult to keep her gaping mouth closed. The women were dripping with diamonds and gems and their expressions were cool. The men smelled of money and power, gathering in groups, probably discussing business or golf scores.
Simon filled their plates from a large buffet that was bursting with elegant-looking appetizers that were being continually replenished by silent employees. She picked up two napkins that were folded so precisely that she almost felt guilty about messing them up. The dishes were obviously fine china and Kara frowned. Crap…she’d hate to have to clean all of these dishes and wondered how many servants it took to clean up the mess after the party was over. Hadn’t the wealthy ever heard of paper plates and napkins?
She didn’t have any idea what she was eating, but she downed every morsel on her plate after she and Simon had found a quiet corner to eat. Every bite melted in her mouth and she licked her lips as she consumed the last delicate treat, hoping she hadn’t left crumbs on her face.